Bradenton Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bradenton and surrounding areas
The festive season arrives in Bradenton with Holiday lights and waterfront charm along Old Main Street and the riverfront. The Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade and Bradenton Holiday Lights Festival showcase bright displays and seasonal performances while events like The Nutcracker Tea Party bring holiday entertainment to historic venues. Families can explore Christmas markets, take part in Santa visits, and enjoy holiday activities from boat-watching evenings to craft fairs and carols that make Bradenton's downtown a festive destination for all ages.
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Christmas Lights
25 eventsTampa's largest Christmas event with millions of lights.
Christmas Shows
24 eventsNutcracker ballet excerpts with a tea party.
Christmas Markets
13 eventsOld Florida Christmas celebration with artisan vendors
Christmas Parties
6 eventsAnnual ugly sweater themed bar crawl
Other Christmas Activities
32 eventsSpectacular holiday boat parade on the Manatee River
Editor's Picks (6)
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Busch Gardens Christmas Town
(Tampa)
Tampa's largest Christmas event with millions of lights.
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Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
(Palmetto)
Spectacular holiday boat parade on the Manatee River
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Sarasota Holiday Parade
(Sarasota)
Annual holiday parade with community entries and festive floats.
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Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
(Sarasota)
Illuminated boats parading on Sarasota Bay
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Festival of Lights at Fishermen's Village
(Punta Gorda)
Over a million lights and holiday decorations.
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The Wonderland of Lights
Mesmerizing drive-through holiday light displays
This Week / Coming Up (6)
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Also Near Bradenton
Sarasota
- Jewish Holiday Calendar
- Hands-on Workshop with The Challah Prince
- The St. Petersburg Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet
St Petersburg
See all in St Petersburg →Venice
See all in Venice →Bradenton Christmas FAQ
Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded. Peak times are weekends in December, especially closer to Christmas.
Most events offer on-site parking. Check individual event pages for specific parking information and fees.
Most venues are accessible. Contact individual events for specific accessibility accommodations.